Podcasts > Pursuit of Wellness > Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

By Mari Llewellyn

In this episode on skin health and acne, Mari Llewellyn shares her decade-long struggle with cystic acne and her eventual success through alternative treatments, emphasizing the link between gut health and skin. The discussion highlights key tips like utilizing acne-specialized estheticians, avoiding pore-clogging ingredients found in many skincare products, and addressing acne's potential lifestyle and dietary triggers.

Experts also weigh in on effective skincare routines for managing acne, from specific cleansers to chemical peels. The episode covers the importance of identifying individual skin sensitivities and delves into holistic approaches like anti-inflammatory diets and stress management alongside traditional treatments.

Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 6, 2025 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

1-Page Summary

Acne and Acne Treatment

Mari Llewellyn's Personal Acne Journey

Mari Llewellyn battled cystic acne for a decade, but treatments like antibiotics and [restricted term] failed, according to Llewellyn. Her acne finally cleared after treating a gut bacteria called H. pylori, suggesting a link between gut health and skin. Llewellyn reports taking kidney supplements and pursuing alternative approaches.

Importance Of Finding an Acne-Specialized Esthetician

Llewellyn found success through esthetician Jackie's treatments like chemical peels and microneedling. Jackie provided acne expertise and support. Llewellyn stresses finding an esthetician specializing in acne.

Effective Acne-Safe Skincare Routines

Llewellyn uses a gentle cleanser with mandelic acid and benzoyl peroxide, AcneMed, and DMK powder to manage oil. Thomas emphasizes thoroughly washing for a minute to remove impurities. Selective extractions are advised by Gronich.

Pore-Clogging Ingredients and Clean Skincare

Experts clarify that "clean" doesn't necessarily mean non-pore-clogging. Thomas recommends checking products for problematic thick ingredients like coconut oil. Gronich's website has an ingredient checker to identify pore-cloggers.

Holistic Skin Health

Gronich notes dermatologists lack nutrition training for acne. Llewellyn and Thomas link dairy and cheese to breakouts. Llewellyn advocates anti-inflammatory diets. Thomas cites stress management's role, and experts highlight individual skin sensitivities in reactions.

Skincare Routines and Product Recommendations

Thomas advises 1-minute cleansing massages. Llewellyn recommends acne-safe cleansers like ClearStem. Exfoliating masks and sulfur spot treatments are used for breakouts, per Christina. For makeup, Llewellyn suggests Klore and Illuminaire. Gronich and Christina recommend Priya, Make Beauty, and Euphoria as non-pore-clogging options.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Llewellyn's experience suggests a link between gut health and acne, more scientific research is needed to establish a causal relationship.
  • The effectiveness of treatments like chemical peels and microneedling can vary from person to person, and what worked for Llewellyn may not work for everyone.
  • The recommendation to find an acne-specialized esthetician, while potentially beneficial, may not be accessible or affordable for everyone.
  • The use of specific skincare ingredients like mandelic acid and benzoyl peroxide may not be suitable for all skin types and could cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
  • The advice to wash for a full minute may not be necessary for everyone and could potentially strip the skin of natural oils if done too frequently or with harsh cleansers.
  • The assertion that dermatologists lack nutrition training may not be accurate, as many dermatologists do consider diet and lifestyle factors in their treatment plans.
  • The link between dairy and cheese consumption and acne is not conclusively proven, and dietary triggers can be highly individual.
  • Anti-inflammatory diets may benefit some individuals with acne, but they are not a guaranteed solution and should be personalized.
  • Stress management is important for overall health, but its direct impact on acne may not be significant for everyone.
  • Recommendations for specific skincare and makeup brands are subjective and may not take into account all skin types or personal preferences.
  • The concept of "clean" skincare is not well-defined and can be misleading, as it does not necessarily equate to being effective or non-irritating.

Actionables

  • You can explore the potential connection between gut health and skin by keeping a food and skin diary to track what you eat and how your skin reacts over time. Note any changes in your skin's condition alongside your dietary habits to see if there's a correlation. For instance, if you notice more breakouts after consuming dairy, you might consider reducing your intake to see if it improves your skin health.
  • Create a personalized skincare routine by researching and selecting products based on their active ingredients rather than brand claims of being "clean" or "acne-safe." Look for scientific studies or dermatologist recommendations on ingredients that target your specific skin concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, you might want to look for products with salicylic acid, known for its ability to penetrate oil and exfoliate the skin.
  • Implement stress management techniques into your daily routine to potentially improve your skin health. Activities like yoga, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels. You could start with a 10-minute meditation session each morning or evening and observe any changes in your skin over several weeks.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

Acne and Acne Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition that can have profound emotional effects. Two individuals, Mari Llewellyn and Daisy Keech, recount their struggles with acne and share insights on treatments that have helped them.

Mari Llewellyn's Personal Acne Journey and Treatments

Cystic Acne for 10 Years, Dermatologist Treatments Failed

Mari Llewellyn had a taxing decade-long battle with cystic acne, which worsened towards the end of college and persisted into adulthood. Despite trying various dermatologist-prescribed treatments like different antibiotics and [restricted term], nothing seemed to work. Llewellyn also had reservations about continuing [restricted term] due to concerns about its safety, especially in the context of pregnancy.

Ultimately, the only successful treatment for her acne came after she was diagnosed with a gut bacteria called H. pylori. Treating this bacteria led to the resolution of her acne, suggesting a possible link between gut health and skin condition.

Acne Resolved After H. Pylori Treatment

Llewellyn's journey underscores the importance of considering internal health factors when dealing with persistent acne. She shared that she is currently taking kidney for her acne, swallowing chunks of it every day, exploring less traditional routes to address her skin concerns.

Importance Of Finding an Acne-Specialized Esthetician

Jackie: Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Led Therapy, Extractions For Acne

In her pursuit of clearer skin, Mari Llewellyn found significant support in an esthetician, Jackie, who provided personalized treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, LED therapy, and extractions. Llewellyn emphasized the benefit of finding an esthetician who specializes in acne, pointing to before and after transformations and sincere testimonials as evidence of efficacy. Jackie also offered ongoing support and text messaging guidance during severe breakouts and recommended against picking at the skin.

Esthetician Provides Support and Guidance Through Acne Healing

In addition to treatments, Llewellyn valued the support and guidance she received from Jackie. Her esthetician's expertise in acne-specific treatments like Face Reality and DMK was crucial in managing Llewellyn's condition and navigating her through every stage of her acne.

Effective Acne-Safe Skincare Routines

Gentle Cleanser With Mandelic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Acne-Fighting Ingredients

Llewellyn describes her skincare routine, which includes a gentle cleanser with mandelic acid and benzoyl peroxide for its acne-fighting properties, along with us ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Acne and Acne Treatment

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can start a skin health journal to track your daily habits and their effects on your skin. Note down everything from your diet, stress levels, skincare routine, and any new products or treatments you try. Over time, this can help you identify patterns or triggers that may be affecting your skin condition, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your skincare.
  • Consider taking a holistic approach to skin health by incorporating gut-friendly foods into your diet. Foods rich in probiotics like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, or prebiotic fibers found in garlic, onions, and bananas can support gut health, which may in turn have a positive impact on your skin.
  • Engage with a community of individuals who ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

Pore-Clogging Ingredients and Clean Skincare

Kayleigh Christina, Danielle Gronich, Mari Llewellyn, and Celeste Thomas discuss the confusion between "clean" skincare and non-comedogenic products, and the importance of avoiding pore-clogging ingredients for skin health.

Understanding "Clean" Versus "Acne-Safe" In Skincare

"Clean" Does Not Necessarily Mean Non-pore Clogging

Celeste Thomas explains that "clean" skincare refers to products that are free from certain harmful chemicals and endocrine disruptors but does not necessarily imply that they do not clog pores. The lack of industry certification for "clean" products and the practice of "greenwashing" can mislead consumers, making it difficult to know the true nature of the products they're using.

Mari Llewellyn and Danielle Gronich stress that there is a common misconception equating "clean" skincare with being "acne-safe." While "clean" has gained attention for being free from toxins, it doesn't guarantee that the products won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Check For Pore-Clogging Ingredients in Products

Llewellyn seeks to distinguish genuinely non-pore clogging products from those that are simply marketed as "clean." To this end, Thomas suggests using resources like the Environmental Working Group, Think Dirty, Credo, or trusted brands like ClearStem, though she cautions that even these brands can sometimes include pore-clogging ingredients.

Kayleigh Christina talks about her experience with a facial that led to a breakout because she didn’t check for pore-clogging ingredients like shea butter in the products used. Christina emphasizes the importance of vigilance in avoiding products that can cause acne.

Identifying and Avoiding Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Thick Ingredients Like Coconut Oil May Clog Pores

Danielle Gronich recognizes that natural ingredients such as organic shea butter and coconut oil, while being "clean," are thicker than the skin's natural oils and may clog pores. Gronich notes coconut oil, in particular, can be as thick as wax at room temperature and may not penetrate pores well, making it unsuitable for most people, despite being a small fraction of the population that can tolerate it.

Gronich and Llewellyn discuss the importance of awareness of pore-clogging ingredients within the acne community, as their presence in cosmetics can lead to continuous breakouts. ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Pore-Clogging Ingredients and Clean Skincare

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • "Clean" skincare might still be suitable for many people without acne-prone skin, and the benefits of avoiding harmful chemicals should not be overlooked.
  • The term "acne-safe" can be subjective, as different skin types react differently to various ingredients.
  • Some ingredients considered pore-clogging may not affect everyone the same way, and individual skin tolerance should be considered.
  • Natural oils like coconut oil have been used in traditional skincare for centuries and can be beneficial for certain skin types or conditions when used appropriately.
  • Ingredient checkers may not always be up-to-date with the latest research or may not consider the concentration of an ingredient, which can affect its c ...

Actionables

  • You can create a personalized skincare journal to track your skin's reaction to different products. Start by noting the products you use daily and any changes in your skin's condition, such as increased breakouts or dullness. Over time, this will help you identify which ingredients may be clogging your pores, even if they're labeled as "clean."
  • Develop a habit of double-cleansing with non-comedogenic oils or cleansers before bed. This method involves first using an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. This routine can help prevent pore-clogging by ensuring that your skin is thoroughly clean.
  • Experiment with DIY face masks usi ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

Holistic Skin Health (Diet, Stress, Internal Factors)

Holistic approaches to skin health have become a focal point for many, emphasizing the interconnectedness between diet, stress, and individual factors in achieving a clear and healthy complexion.

Role of Diet and Gut Health in Skin

Danielle Gronich underscores the lack of training dermatologists receive in nutrition with respect to acne, which fails to address dietary considerations like inflammatory eating. Personal experiences shared by Celeste Thomas and Mari Llewellyn point to the potential link between consuming cheese and experiencing breakouts. Mari Llewellyn has gone so far as to completely eliminate dairy and gluten from her diet to improve her skin, reflecting the significance of diet and gut health.

Importance of Anti-Inflammatory, Gut-healing Diets For Acne

Various diets tried by Mari Llewellyn, such as carnivore and keto, underscore the quest for a diet that supports skin health, hinting at the role of anti-inflammatory, gut-healing regimens. Mari also discusses not getting enough vitamin A, a key component of the acne medication [restricted term], suggesting that a diet rich in this vitamin might support clear skin.

Impact of Stress on Skin

Celeste Thomas highlights the significant impact stress has on skin health, suggesting that stress management practices can be beneficial. She recommends starting the day without phones or caffeine and engaging in activities that counter stress. The implication is clear: reducing stress is key to healing acne.

Individual Variations in Skin Sensitivity

Some Are More Prone To Acne From Certain Ingredients

Kayleigh Christina and Mari Llewellyn highlight the individual differences in skin reactions, emphasizing bio-i ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Holistic Skin Health (Diet, Stress, Internal Factors)

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Dermatologists' training does include aspects of nutrition, and while it may not be the primary focus, many dermatologists are aware of and consider dietary factors in acne treatment.
  • The link between cheese or dairy and acne is not conclusively proven, as studies have shown mixed results, and more research is needed to establish a direct causal relationship.
  • Eliminating dairy and gluten may not improve skin health for everyone, as these dietary changes can have varying effects depending on the individual's specific condition and sensitivities.
  • While anti-inflammatory, gut-healing diets may help some individuals with acne, they are not a universal solution, and other factors such as genetics and hormones also play significant roles in acne development.
  • A diet rich in vitamin A may be beneficial for some, but excessive intake can be toxic, and not all individuals with acne will benefit from increased vitamin A consumption.
  • Stress is one of many factors that can impact skin health, and while stress management can be beneficial, it is not the only approach to improving skin health, and other factors should also be addressed.
  • Bio-individuality is important, but there are also commonalities in skin reactions that can be useful for developing general skincare ...

Actionables

  • You can start a food and mood journal to track how different foods affect your skin and stress levels. Each day, log what you eat, your stress levels, and the condition of your skin. Over time, you may notice patterns that suggest which foods to avoid and which stress management techniques work best for you.
  • Experiment with a 'skin-supportive' meal plan for one month, focusing on incorporating vitamin A-rich foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens, while reducing known irritants like dairy and gluten. This approach allows you to observe changes in your skin's health and identify what dietary choices support clearer skin for you personally.
  • Create a personalized stress management routine by tryin ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Top Tips For Clear Glowy Skin - By Me & Experts

Skincare Routines and Product Recommendations

Skin care experts Mari Llewellyn, Celeste Thomas, Christina, Kayleigh Christina, Danielle Gronich, and Daisy Keech share their insights and recommendations on effective skincare routines and products that cater to concerns like acne and aging while offering makeup suggestions for acne-prone skin.

Importance of Thorough Cleansing

Cleansing Face For a Minute to Remove Impurities

Celeste Thomas recommends a one-minute facial massage during cleansing to ensure the skin is thoroughly clean, which can help remove impurities and prepare the skin for subsequent products.

Using Acne-Safe Cleansers and Toners

Mari Llewellyn stresses the importance of using acne-safe products, including a particular focus on anti-microbial mists like Hydrinity Hyacinth to kill off bacteria. ClearStem’s range of acne-safe products, such as body lotion, hair care, and specifically lip balm, have proven beneficial to Llewellyn, who notes a tendency to break out around her mouth.

Targeted Treatments For Acne and Aging

Therapies For Reducing Inflammation

Mari Llewellyn brings up microneedling as a treatment that can reduce inflammation, though she shares that it makes her break out. She counters this by using acne-safe products to balance her skin care.

Christina turned to exfoliating masks, a diamond buff tool, and a sulfur spot mask developed by Danielle, following an active breakout. She also used a product called Cell Renew to address pigmentation left from acne. Christina flattened her cystic acne within two days and managed to clear pigmentation in a week.

Hydrating and Brightening Masks and Serums

No specific product endorsement or recommendation was mentioned under this subsection.

Acne-Safe Makeup Recommendations

Priya, Euphoria, Make Beauty: Non-pore Clogging Options

When it comes to acne-safe makeup, several options are highlighted by the experts. Mari Llewellyn suggests limiting makeup use if one is struggling with breakouts. She mentions using ti ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Skincare Routines and Product Recommendations

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While a one-minute facial massage during cleansing can be beneficial, some dermatologists argue that over-manipulation of the skin can lead to irritation or exacerbate certain skin conditions, and the optimal cleansing time may vary depending on skin type and the cleanser used.
  • Anti-microbial mists like Hydrinity Hyacinth may help reduce bacteria, but it's important to note that not all acne is caused by bacteria, and some individuals may find these products irritating or drying, especially if they contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients.
  • Microneedling can be effective for reducing inflammation and acne scars, but it's not suitable for everyone, particularly those with active acne, certain skin conditions, or a history of keloid scarring. It's also a procedure that should be performed by a trained professional to minimize risks.
  • Exfoliating masks and tools can help with acne and skin texture, but over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, or even more breakouts. It's important to use these products sparingly and as directed.
  • Products like Cell Renew may help with pigmentation, but results can vary widely, and some pigmentation issues may require professional treatments like laser therapy or chemical peels for significant improvement.
  • Limiting makeup use can help some people manage breakouts, but others may not notice a difference or may rely on makeup for confidence or professional reasons. It's also important to ensure that any makeup used is removed completely to prevent clogged pores.
  • Non-pore-clogging makeup like Illuminaire may work well for some, but individual skin types and sensitivities can lead to different reactions, and what works for one person may not work for another.
  • While Priya makeup is recommended as 100% safe and non-pore-clogging, no makeup can be guaranteed to be completely safe for all skin types, and claims of being able to wear makeup to bed without negative effects should be approached with caution, as nighttime is an important t ...

Actionables

  • You can enhance your facial cleansing routine by setting a timer for one minute every time you cleanse, ensuring you give your skin a thorough massage without overdoing it. This habit can help you stick to the recommended duration for maximum benefit without relying on guesswork.
  • Create a personalized acne-safe skincare routine by researching and compiling a list of ingredients known to be non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory. Use this list as a reference when shopping for skincare products, ensuring you choose items that align with acne-safe criteria.
  • Experiment with a DIY makeup day where you use minimal products, focu ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA